Intro to Computer Science W/ Microsoft Makecode for: A New Project Each Week

*This ongoing course is built to be able to drop in and out and learn a new and different concept each week, that allows you to join at anytime*
Learn how to make digital games with MakeCode Arcade! This class is intended for students who are new to MakeCode with little or no previous coding experience. 

Students will gain exposure to all the elements they need to successfully create their own  arcade games using MakeCode Arcade. Specifically, they will gain experience in the following topics: 

Computer Science Concepts
Events and program control flow
User input
Loops
Variables
Events
Game Design Concepts
Storytelling
Sprites and Projectiles
Design, Sounds, and Effects
Coordinates
Velocity
Game Score
Win/Lose Criteria
Randomization
Animation
Destruction
Hit Points
Status Bar
Text Display
Level Design


Week of  Jan. 3rd 2021 - Students will learn how to use background images, music, and dialog boxes to build creative projects that send a message, tell a joke, or illustrate their thoughts through storytelling games

Week of Jan. 10th 2021 - Students will use event containers, sprites, and projectiles to create a simple "clicker" game that takes in user input and performs an action.

Week of Jan. 17th 2021 - Students will work with sprite controller blocks, variables, and conditional statements to build a game where Mama Dino rushes to collect as many of her babies as possible while avoiding traffic.

Week of Jan. 24th 2021 - Students will design a space explorer game where they will build a galactic environment in which they can fire projectiles at enemy ships, level up the difficulty of the game, and customize projectile design, all while being cautious about their own health bars and refueling needs.

Week of Jan. 21st 2021 - Students will create their very own platformer game with MakeCode Arcade. In Jungle Monkey Jump, students will bring a monkey friend to life in a world filled with dangerous obstacles and collectible baubles.

Week of Feb. 7th 2021 - Students will create a simple game to chase a pizza around the screen and collect as many points as possible before time runs out! Students will also make Shark Splash, a game that involves protecting their submarines while it hunts for food.

Week of Feb. 14th 2021 - Learn the basics of creating a maze game. In 80's Rockstar Maze, students set a rockstar sprite in a backstage maze where it must collect instruments and avoid fans after a show.

Week of Feb 21st 2021-  In A Zookeeper's Adventure, students will go through basic storytelling design actions for games. Through the power of code students help manage a zoo.

Week of Feb. 28th 2021 - Students will create a game where they need to help a frog catch a fly before the timer runs out. Students will also create a game called Happy Flower that sends back happy bees.